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FAU offense in good hands with Van Camp, Morris; but is it time for changes on defense?

Howard Schnellenberger calls it the “second phase of the 2009 season” and with no bowl to prepare for FAU’s coaches can put their entire energy into recruiting.

The coaches have some work to do coming off five wins. But while they are hitting the road, Schnellenberger will be doing some evaluating behind closed doors.
When asked about the evaluation process that comes after each season, Schnellenberger said it would be “a detailed one and it starts with me and goes through a descending order down the line.”

Which obviously means his coaches.

Considering the offense established school records in total offense with 432.1 yards per game and rushing offense with 152.8 yards per game, the offensive staff appears safe.

The defensive staff. … that could be a different story. FAU was among the nation’s worst defenses all season and finished the season allowing a school record 453.2 yards per game.

Schnellenberger has been loyal to his coaches and he may not see the necessity to make changes. If he doesn’t, he certainly will be looking at those numbers and, at the least, demanding a formula to fix this defense.

What do you think? Are changes necessary on the coaching staff?

The offense will have to find four new starters on the line, but still, it gives FAU hope for putting this program back on track.

And how is this for something to look forward to:

Alfred Morris, who has two years remaining, not only will carry the crown as the Sun Belt’s reigning rushing champion into the 2010 season, but he has risen to No. 15 in the nation. He finished with 1,392 yards, an average of 116.0 per game.

Morris, by the way, was named the Sun Belt’s offensive player of the week today, marking the first time all season FAU has had a player recognized by the league. The Owls were the lone team to have been shut out entering the season’s final week.

Jeff Van Camp, who started the final five games for the injured Rusty Smith, is 33rd nationally with a 141.22 pass efficiency rating, better than Smith’s rating of 135.2 this season. Van Camp completed 59.3 percent of his passes for 1,372 yards and had 12 touchdowns and two interceptions.

I love the maturity and poise Morris and Van Camp have shown while being thrust into major roles.

Morris had all the right in the world to boast and be excited about his rushing title, but his comment that it was “bitter sweet” because of the team’s disappointing season says loads about his unselfishness and how he truly is a team player.

And Van Camp’s season proves he did not mope while he sat around for more than three years waiting his turn, rather he made sure he was prepared when his time came.

“For me it really wasn’t a big surprise,” Van Camp said about his success. “I put in a lot of hard work during the off season. I knew if they called my number I could get it done. When Rusty went down I got my chance to do it. I wasn’t surprised by it. I definitely could have made a lot more better passes, more completions. Overall I did okay and got some good experience.”

Two leaders who have the Owls’ offense in good hands next season.

The question is: Will next season be another year of the offense being burdened to atone for the defense or will the defense find a fix?